Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's [Images] handpicked leader Mohammedmian Soomro, a former banker, was on Friday sworn-in as caretaker prime minister with the military ruler saying he had 'introduced the essence of democracy' in the country.

Coverage: Emergency in Pakistan

Soomro, 57, and other members of the interim set-up were administered the oath of office by Musharraf at Aiwan-e-Sadr or presidency during a ceremony attended by a large number of dignitaries including members of the outgoing government.

"We are creating history today because never has Pakistan seen such a smooth transition of government," Musharraf, wearing a dark bandh gala coat, said in his brief address.

"I take pride in the fact that I have introduced the essence of democracy, whether any one believes it or not," the General said.

Musharraf first administered the oath of office to Soomro, who earlier held the post of Chairman of the Senate or Upper house of parliament. The other members of the cabinet were then sworn in collectively.

Soomro, a senior tribal leader of the ruling PML-Q party and a confidant of Musharraf, took oath under the Provisional Constitutional Order issued by the military ruler on November 3 after he imposed emergency. He will return to the post of Senate Chairman after the general election is held, official sources said.

Opposition parties have rejected the interim set-up, saying they were not consulted on its formation and that polls, which Musharraf said will be held before January 9, will not be free and fair as long as Musharraf remained the president and army chief.

The interim government was sworn in hours before US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte was due to arrive in Pakistan to press Musharraf to lift emergency, give up uniform and announce a date for elections. 

Image: New Pakistan Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro.
Reportage: PTI | Photograph: Aamir Qureshi/AFP/Getty Images